In recent study, cocoa extract also increased interferon-\u03b3 compared with placebo<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Cocoa extract supplementation yields a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and an increase in interferon-\u03b3 (IFN-\u03b3), while no significant effects are seen on other inflammatory markers, according to a study published online Sept. 17 in Age and Ageing<\/em>.<\/p>\n Sidong Li, Ph.D., from the University of Science and Technology of China, and colleagues conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to examine the effects of cocoa extract supplement (containing 500 mg cocoa flavanols\/day, including 80 mg (\u2212)-epicatechin) among 598 women aged 65 years and older and men aged 60 years and older. Five widely used serum inflammaging biomarkers, including three proinflammatory markers (hsCRP, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-\u03b1), one anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10), and one pleotropic cytokine (IFN-\u03b3) were measured.<\/p>\n The researchers found a significant decrease in hsCRP levels with cocoa extract supplementation versus placebo, with a between difference in yearly percentage change relative to baseline levels of \u20138.4 percent. An increase in IFN-\u03b3 was seen with cocoa extract versus placebo, with a 6.8 percent difference in yearly percentage change. No significant effects of cocoa extract were seen on other inflammatory markers.<\/p>\n “This study calls for more attention to the advantage of plant-based foods for cardiovascular health, including cocoa products rich in flavanols,” coauthor Howard Sesso, Sc.D., M.P.H., from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said in a statement. “It reinforces the importance of a diverse, colorful, plant-based diet — especially in the context of inflammation.”<\/p>\n Several authors disclosed ties to the nutrition industry; Pfizer donated COSMOS study pills and packaging.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n